alaska purchase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, historical, academic
Quick answer
What does “alaska purchase” mean?
The 1867 acquisition of the territory of Alaska by the United States from the Russian Empire for $7.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The 1867 acquisition of the territory of Alaska by the United States from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million.
The historical transaction and diplomatic event that transferred sovereignty of Russian America to the United States. By extension, the term can refer to significant, large-scale acquisitions of land, though this is metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. US usage is more common due to national history relevance. UK sources may use "cession" or "sale of Alaska" as often as "Alaska Purchase."
Connotations
In US context, often positive or neutral as a foundational national expansion. In broader contexts, it can be referenced as an example of colonial-era land deals.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation in both. More frequent in US history education and academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “alaska purchase” in a Sentence
The [Alaska Purchase] + verb (e.g., was, occurred, happened)[Subject] + discusses/studies + the Alaska PurchaseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alaska purchase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Alaska Purchase treaty is in the archives.
- It was an Alaska Purchase anniversary.
American English
- The Alaska Purchase treaty is housed in DC.
- We studied Alaska Purchase documents.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Might be used metaphorically for a large, risky acquisition: 'The company's takeover was its own Alaska Purchase.'
Academic
Standard term in historical and political science texts discussing US expansion or Russian-American relations.
Everyday
Very rare. Likely only in specific discussions about US history or geography.
Technical
Used in historical cartography, diplomatic history, and treaties law as a case study.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alaska purchase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alaska purchase”
- Saying 'Alaska's purchase' (possessive form is not standard for the event name).
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'an alaska purchase' (should be capitalized).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The United States paid $7.2 million for the territory of Alaska in 1867.
William H. Seward, under President Andrew Johnson, negotiated and finalized the purchase.
Russia sought to sell the territory due to its remote, difficult-to-defend nature, declining economic interest in fur trading, and a desire to strengthen ties with the US against its rival, Great Britain.
No, it is a proper noun, the official name of a specific historical event, and should always be capitalized.
The 1867 acquisition of the territory of Alaska by the United States from the Russian Empire for $7.
Alaska purchase is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Alaska purchase: in British English it is pronounced /əˈlæskə ˈpɜːtʃəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlæskə ˈpɜːrtʃəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Seward's Folly (idiomatic reference to the Alaska Purchase itself, implying a foolish purchase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Secretary of State William H. SEWARD who made the PURCHASE. Seward purchased Alaska.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LARGE, RISKY, BUT ULTIMATELY VALUABLE ACQUISITION.
Practice
Quiz
What was a contemporary derogatory nickname for the Alaska Purchase?